At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library services and promote open research practices in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for an exciting apprenticeship.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Gain valuable skills and mentorship while contributing to cutting-edge research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of science and information management.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science required; enthusiasm to learn is key.
The predicted salary is between 16500 - 19500 £ per year.
Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 24 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX
Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Are you a motivated individual who can demonstrate excellent customer service? Join us as an apprentice Information Assistant working within the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) library services. You'll be part of the Open Science team helping to deliver a range of library and information services, as well as supporting open research practices, such as open access publishing of journal articles and data sharing, through the development and operation of the institutional repositories.
About An Apprenticeship At STFC
We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment. You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.
Why join the Open Science Team at STFC?
You would be part of the Open Science team, which works collaboratively across STFC, UKRI and internationally to define policies, develop and deploy tools and practices to support STFC research and researchers to realise the benefits of open science, making scientific research openly available, accessible and reusable. We are a cross-site team with staff based at both the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire and the Daresbury Laboratory (DL) in Cheshire. This position will be based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire and may require occasional travel, within the UK, to attend meetings, events and training.
Qualifications Gained
- Level 3 Library, information and archive services assistant (LIAS)
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the needs of people using information in all its formats including digital (e.g. ebooks, video files, electronic documents, online content) and analogue/physical (e.g. collections, books, journals, newspapers, DVDs/CDs etc).
- Organise and manage those information resources, including arranging and displaying the resources; marketing and promoting the resources; and providing access to the resources.
- Provide a range of services, such as library, archive, knowledge, customer services, learning support, etc, that help people to use and value the resources available.
Training provider: Westminster adult education service: Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant - Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES). Delivery of training will take place 1 day per month over a 13-month period at 1 of the 3 designated centres in London.
What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will be wide ranging and tailored to support the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. Examples of the work include but are not limited to:
- Supporting the marketing and promotion of services and resources (preparing and updating guidance documents, intranet pages, display screens).
- Contributing to the submission of materials into the publication and data repositories, updating metadata and quality checking of records.
- Being the first point of contact for some services, including time on the library enquiry desk, answering a range of enquiries (in person and via email) and triaging more complex enquiries to the relevant members of the team.
- Contributing to service development through active engagement in team meetings and liaising with library users.
Entry Requirements
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- GCSEs in Maths, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
- An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
- Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
- Interest in working in a scientific library and information environment (S&I)
- Ability to deliver excellent customer service (S&I)
- Ability to work with a range of colleagues at all levels within the organisation (S&I)
- Ability to work to a high degree of accuracy with attention to detail and ability to follow detailed instructions (S&I)
- Self-motivated and experience in managing time and priorities (S&I)
Desirable
- Further academic qualifications e.g. A levels, BTEC or Undergraduate Degree (S)
- Experience of using different tools to find information e.g. catalogues, databases, web resources (I)
Important Information
To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GCSEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.
Employee Benefits
Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy. 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5)
Library and Information Assistant Apprentice in Didcot employer: UKRI India
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) offers a dynamic and supportive work environment at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, where you can develop your skills as a Library and Information Assistant Apprentice. With a focus on open science and collaboration, you'll benefit from structured training, mentorship from industry professionals, and access to workshops that foster both personal and professional growth. Enjoy a competitive salary that rises annually, generous holiday allowances, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a vibrant scientific community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Information Assistant Apprentice in Didcot
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the STFC and its Open Science team! Research their projects and values so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples where you've helped others or solved problems. Being able to share these stories will make you stand out as a candidate who can deliver excellent service.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current apprentices or staff at STFC. Reach out on LinkedIn or attend events if possible. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Information Assistant Apprentice in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for library and information services shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and eager to learn. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of customer service and teamwork, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI India
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and their Open Science team. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves excellent customer service, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully assisted others. Think about times when you resolved issues or provided support, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, specific projects, or how success is measured in the role. It shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the position and the organisation.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to practice your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This will help ease any nerves and ensure you present yourself in the best light during the actual interview.
